Some welcome news from the Philippines:

An elderly Irish priest kidnapped and held captive in the Philippines has been released, it has been revealed tonight.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin confirmed Fr Michael Sinnott has been freed.

The missionary was abducted from his gated compound in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on October 11.

Sinnott, 79, from Barntown in Co Wexford, has a serious heart condition and has been taken to a centre for a medical check-up.

Irish foreign affairs minister Michael Martin said no ransom had been paid for the release of the priest, who is a member of the Missionaries of St Columban.

“I am personally delighted and relieved to relay the news that Fr Michael Sinnott has been freed by his captives and handed over to the Philippine authorities,” said Martin.

“The release of Fr Michael represents the successful conclusion of a major diplomatic effort by the Irish and Philippine governments.

“As in previous kidnaps, no ransom was paid by the Irish government. To do so would only have jeopardised the vital work of aid workers and missionaries around the world – it would also place other Irish citizens in danger.”

There’s more background at the link.